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Olympian Mariel Zagunis: "When I Fence, I Feel..."

Mariel Zagunis won gold in 2004 in the Women's Individual Sabre competition--the first American fencer to take the top spot in 100 years--then did it all over again in 2008. She has been training five hours a day with...

Mariel Zagunis won gold in 2004 in the Women's Individual Sabre competition--the first American fencer to take the top spot in 100 years--then did it all over again in 2008. She has been training five hours a day with the "first and foremost goal to get a three-peat," she says. If past is prologue, then we're gonna take a stab and say she's got this.

Tune in for Zagunis's first Olympic event tomorrow morning!

AP Photo/Kaan Soyturk

Any post-workout habits? "I always want to hit the couch, but it's important not to lounge. My muscles are still recovering, and if I plop down, they'll get stiff. Instead, I'll take a walk, then cook up a healthy meal."

What do you do when you're losing? "In sports and in life, it's key to have positive self-talk. If you are intimidated and let those feelings get to you, your mind and body will react. I focus on what I need to do to win the next touch, and I tell myself that I know I can do it."

You travel a ton. What do you take on the plane? "An empty water bottle to fill up after I get through security, plus nuts and raisins, and Olay face wipes so I can feel refreshed every now and then."